La Spezia is often visited only in transit to the small towns known as the Cinque Terre.   However, visitors that are looking for more affordable lodging, parking, or hotel amenities will be well served in La Spezia. Transport to the quaint Cinque Terre towns is readily available by train or boat.

Lodging Near the Train Station

Hotels close to the train station offer the benefit of parking and easy access to the Cinque Terre towns and beaches. The Hotel Firenze e Continentale is on the piazza that faces the La Spezia train station. This hotel is located within easy walking distance of the newly renovated pedestrian center of La Spezia. Also in close proximity to the train station is the Hotel Mary. Although both of these hotels identify themselves as three-star properties, the Hotel Firenze e Continentale has been renovated more recently and is generally more pleasant.

Hotels in the City Center

If you are looking to experience more of the local flavor of La Spezia itself, you may try one of the hotels closer to the city center. There are several smaller two- and three-star properties in this area including the Hotel Genova, the Hotel Birillo, Il Centro B&B, and the Hotel Diana. Of these hotels, the Hotel Diana is the most memorable because of its collection and display of Surrealist paintings by the Italian artist Aladino Ghioni. The My One Hotel La Spezia is also in this area and offers contemporary architecture and four-star amenities.  

The Jolly Hotel, which is located on the promenade just east of the main city centre, is another four-star property. The Jolly chain of hotels offer guests more anonymity than some of the smaller locales, but some guests have complained that the rooms are small for the price and that the La Spezia Jolly Hotel in particular is in need of renovation.

Surrounding Villages

Those traveling by car who are interested in a more “quaint” Italian village experience should consider staying in one of the small towns outside of La Spezia. Particularly popular with visitors is the Hotel Relais al Convento in Vezzano Ligure. The town is seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from central La Spezia. The 12 room hotel was originally the convent attached to the Churches of Santa Maria Assunta and San Sebastiano. The restaurant on site is excellent.